Ed and I just returned from a trip to Texas for a Veterinary Convention where I exhibited my jewelry. Most of the time we spent talking or listening to music, but the radio news crept into our trip pretty often as well.
Of course the Michael Vick animal cruelty story is big news, and with good reason.
The majority of people in this country just don’t tolerate animal abuse. There seems to be an overall recognition that pets are important as individuals and even for our own survival!
From that premise, it seems painfully obvious that harming dogs can only be harmful to the person perpetrating the
cruel behavior as well. I would imagine that Mr. Vick was not a particularly cheerful individual, even before his arrest.
It’s unfortunate, as well, that this story only perpetrates the idea that pit bulls are dangerous dogs. I think the
atrocities these poor animals were subjected to would turn a golden retriever vicious. If anything, it should illustrate what hideous treatment it takes to make a dog into a dangerous animal.
I have many customers that have wonderful, gentle pit bulls for pets. One of them told me a story recently of how her pit bull and toddler get along, the dog infinitely patient of the little girl’s rough behavior. In fact, I had so many pit bull loving customers ask me to design some jewelry featuring their favorite pet that I finally did so.
I realize there are opinions on both sides of the pit bull debate, and my intention isn’t to weigh in on one side or the other. But a pet of any species or breed will respond to the treatment they receive, and become a loving pet or a “vicious” animal depending on that treatment.
The idea of dog fighting as a sport is repugnant to me and many other people as well. I can’t really see the entertainment value of watching two living beings tear each other to pieces. I don’t imagine I would’ve been a big fan of the gladiator fights, either.
My philosophy is that the animals and plants of the planet are also part of our own lives, and important to the survival of mankind as well. I don’t believe you can be cruel to an animal without lessening yourself as an individual as well. This is not to say I would demand we all become “breatharians” (people who, in theory live only on water and air!), but if you do eat meat, how about demanding that the animals that are slaughtered be slaughtered humanely?
I
think the reaction to the Michael Vick story is a lesson in how we human beings really feel about hurting animals for the purpose of our own “entertainment”. The lesson seems to be that as a people we do not approve of barbaric behavior.
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